The End of Windows Server 2003 Support: How Are Organizations Plotting Their Next Moves?

On July 14, Microsoft will end its support of Server 2003. That will present challenges for organizations whose servers still run this operating system; according to a recent Softchoice survey, more than one in five servers still do.

One of the challenges facing organizations currently using Server 2003 is security. "When the software goes to the end of support, you no longer get updates," says Keith Groom, director of Microsoft solutions with Softchoice, a provider of IT solutions and services. That's a security risk, as many software updates are designed to fend off new viruses or hackers as they emerge, he adds.

In turn, this means many applications won't comply with regulations such as Payment Card Industry (PCI) requirements, which include a provision that systems be protected from vulnerabilities through the installation of security patches. When Microsoft ends support, it also will stop issuing security patches.

That's not all. Some applications may no longer function, once the operating system behind them isn't operational.

To be sure, some of the companies still running Server 2003 are doing so for non-mission-critical, non-customer-facing applications such as print servers, Groom notes. While they'll need to shift to new server operating systems, the time frame isn't as urgent as it would be if they were using 2003 for critical applications.

Cloud Options Grow in Popularity

Companies planning to migrate from Servers 2003 have several options, Groom says. They can, of course, purchase new software and hardware.

They also can move ...